Tuesday, May 31, 2016

The Story of the American Flag -Postcard Friendship Friday #315

I apologize for posting this so late. I have been out of town and so busy I didn't have much time to be on the computer. Yesterday was poignant as Mumsie, Sissie and I visited Daddy's memorial at the Willamette Veteran's Cemetery. There is a powerful bond between the people who visit there. Last year we met Andrea, who's Dad, Mike is just above Daddy. Of all things, we saw her and met her husband this year--we were there at the same time, of all things!

Isn't this a fun postcard? Smooching behind the flag--ah, young love.

But the story behind Decoration Day is more serious. Decoration Day started in 1866 after the American Civil War, when a Women's Association decorated the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. For a nation seeking to move on after a war which split the country, states, communities and even families, this loving gesture was welcomed as a way to lay the past to rest, while honoring those who had fought on either side. This brought unity and healing to a war-torn, war-worn country.

Later on, Decoration Day became known as Memorial Day.

On May 30, 1870, General Logan gave an address in honor of the new commemorative holiday. He said:

"This Memorial Day, on which we decorate their graves with the tokens of love and affection, is no idle ceremony with us, to pass away an hour; but it brings back to our minds in all their vividness the fearful conflicts of that terrible war in which they fell as victims....

Let us, then, all unite in the solemn feelings of the hour, and tender with our flowers the warmest sympathies of our souls! Let us revive our patriotism and love of country by this act, and strengthen our loyalty by the example of the noble dead around us...."

It is only recently my sister Clytie discovered an interesting story in
our own family line. There were two brothers, one fought
for the Union, the other for the Confederacy. Each were imprisoned in the
opposite side's prison camp at the same time. Strange. I am SO
grateful to the Women who set out to bring healing to our torn country
so long ago. I am sure that healing extended to those two young men.

Our Grandfather fought in WW1, Daddy fought in WW2, Uncle Jody fought in Vietnam, Uncle Kelly fought in Korea, my brother-in-law fought in Iraq, my nephew was in the armed forces until just recently. I am grateful to the sacrifices which were made by SO many men and women over the years. We owe our freedom and way of life to them. they are my heros.

God bless you, sweet Friends, and Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!* LINKING UP: You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday. Postcard Friendship Friday is open for the entire week!

* BADGE: When you submit a postcard, be sure to put a link back to this page. You can copy and paste the PFF badge, which has the link embedded. Thank you!

*THEMES: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the postcards you love and tell us why you like them!

* A REMINDER: Links which do not have to do with Postcard Friendship Friday will be removed. Links which advertise various products will share that same fate. Any and all suspicious links will be reported to Blogspot then deleted.

Crunchy Hearts

The title of my blog, "The Best Hearts are Crunchy," comes from a comment made years ago by a five-year old girl, as she thoughtfully perused a tempting box of Valentine's Day candies. She is probably a grown mother by now, with children of her own. I loved what she said so much, I wrote it down on a napkin.

Vintage Postcard

Going for a Ride

MY "CYBER" POSTCARD COLLECTION

Over the years, I have gathered together a large "cyber" collection which I often refer to for Postcard Friendship Friday and Guest Heart Thursday.

I don't always remember where they came from, so if any of these wonderful postcards, cards, or other ephemera came from your site, let me know and I will add a link to your blog.

Copyright information can be found at the bottom of this page.

Hearts and Flowers

I have collected vintage cards, fairytale books, postcards, old photos and art pieces since I was a small girl.

Even before I could read, I spent hours looking at old cards, coloring books and illustrations in my fairytale story books. I am sure my love for art and even my own drawing stylings came from my fascination with them.

Mail was so rare, I saved every card and letter I received as a child. Some of those nostalgic items will be shared on this blog.

Quite a few of the vintage pieces I have collected reflect the life and times of history itself. The cards, postcards, antique photos and art from my collection are dated from the late 1800's, through WW2. Many of these old cards come from our darling little Grandmother Jenny. I have also included some items from the early 1950's which were given to me by my precious Gramma Gladys and dearest Nita.

In a very real way, this Blog is my way of honoring these marvelous inspiring artists and the ongoing influence they've had in my life.

I hope you will enjoy the beauty, tremendous skill and sometimes whimsical work of these long-gone artists as much as I have over the years.

Followers

Copyright Questions

Artwork including cards, postcards, illustrations, etc., printed before 1930 are no longer copyrighted, but are under Public Domain. However even then, there are lots of gray areas concerning what is Public Domain and what is not.

Scans of public domain images do not generate new copyrights—they merely inherit the copyright status of the image being reproduced. In other words, if something is public domain and is scanned--it remains in the public domain.See Bridgeman v. Corel.

An individual can claim copyright over a piece of public domain artwork ONLY if it has been uniquely altered in some fashion.

If you have further questions concerning copyright law, here are somehelpful links:[link][link][link]